Everyone who is ANYONE knows Patrick McMullan as the pioneer of celebrity and society photography, famous for memorializing candid shots of A-listers, fashionistas, designers, models, actors, artists, socialites and captains of industry. Patrick is also a columnist, philanthropist, entrepreneur and documentarian. Born in New York, educated at NYU, Patrick majored in business and “minored in Studio 54.” His impact on pop culture and New York City nightlife is legendary and documented through an extensive archive.

But what not all of us know about Patrick is that throughout his iconic career spanning over 3 decades, Patrick has been building his own private collection of photographs. An eclectic ensemble of over 200 artworks chosen for this exhibition, which in addition to his own prized photos, includes those from renowned photographers David LaChapelle, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Steven Klein, Peter Beard, Harry Benson, Mary Ellen Mark, Michael Thompson, Roe Etheridge, Jessica Craig Martin, Scavullo to Salgado, to outsider art, Hollywood studio shots, and familiar kitsch. Some were gifts, some were trades and some were purchased from charity auctions, which he sometimes photographed. Each of course has a story and a sentiment….

I had been there once– many years ago, and loved the ocean setting… then I went there two weeks ago and have returned 5 times since! I feel I discovered the best kept secret, only I fear the secret is now out!!!

The freshness of the food and the exquisite prepartion by Internationally acclaimed American Celebrity Chef Jeremy Hanlon, formerly of New York’s Restaurant Daniel (as in Boulud) is what makes this charming oceanfront destination a formidable dining experience! “Where else can you invite a large group of friends for fine dining outdoors in the summer months, directly on the ocean, not feel the heat and not make a huge dent
in your wallet? I’ve lived here for over 25 years, and it’s either a private stuffy club or a touristy hotel.”

My favorites? The whole Maine Lobster with a side of baked scallops over avocado and tomato coulis I had last Friday night accompanied by a bottle of a fabulous Rosé reminded me of my favorite spot in St. Barts. Jeremy’s signature Quinoa Chicken Salad and Chicken Tacos I had for lunch last week and the Lobster Eggs Benedict I had the week before for brunch were over the top!

I’ll talk about the cocktails in a future blog, as that’s a whole other story worth elaboration!

View menu and hours, and make your reservations on line at
Benny’s on the Beach

https://altimapalmbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/10644907_749109148476361_728508505608800775_n.jpg960639altimahttps://altimapalmbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/logo6.pngaltima2015-06-20 19:19:062018-03-20 09:27:22Chef Jeremy Hanlon brings the South of France to the Palm Beaches

When visiting my friends in Palm Beach, I learned one thing– The Chesterfield Palm Beach is the ‘locals’ favorite”. Perfectly situated, a block away from Worth Avenue’s famed boutiques and hottest spots to see and be seen, two blocks away from the pristine beaches of Palm Beach, the Chesterfield is also the meeting place for locals and celebrities who appreciate dining al fresco in the Courtyard, and covening at the iconic and vibrant Leopard Lounge for drinks, which usually culminates with dinner …(once I’m there, I don’t want to leave!!)

I understand they now have fabulous summer specials– I also hear from the locals its the best time to go! The snowbirds are gone! Book any of The Chesterfield’s gorgeous Junior or Master Suites for two nights and receive the third night free. Perfect for a long weekend or an extended holiday, this “3 Nights for the Price of 2” package keeps on giving with a maximum of nine nights in total. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is subject to availability and booking terms and conditions.

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Another offer is the “Summer Sizzler” evening, where you can recuperate with a night of unadulterated luxury and enjoy two cocktails in the Leopard Lounge Bar as well as a refreshing continental breakfast the next morning. They also throw in complimentary valet parking and Wi-Fi! One night is all you need to revamp and return to reality. Package is valid between June 1 – September 30, 2015 based on two adults sharing a Superior Queen Room. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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For some reason, Florida residents get an even better deal! They don’t have to travel far to enjoy a well-deserved break from the daily hustle-and-bustle. The “Florida Resident Package” is the perfect way to embark on a little getaway and treat yourself to something special. Guests take advantage of a further reduction of the Best Available Rate and also receive a Continental Breakfast for two each morning! Guests must show proof of Florida residency. Standard cancellation applies.

I traveled to Bora Borawith my family and absolutely loved every second of it. We were lucky enough to stay at theFour Seasons Resort in a bungalow that overlooked the water. It was probably one of the most memorable experiences ever!!

I had the opportunity to go cage diving with sharks in Bora Bora which was the thrill of a lifetime. My sister Chesley kept saying cage diving “was so intense yet exciting at the same time!” Believe me it was more than exciting… Seeking an adrenalin rush, and then much more..

Known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and amazing Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora may be the best tropical paradise in the world. Many people choose Bora Bora as their dream getaway whether it is for a romantic honeymoon, or simply an outstanding family vacation!

Outdoor activities are a must when the temperatures rarely fall below 80 degrees. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline (like we did…) or prefer tranquility there is something for everyone. Cage diving with sharks, Parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and boating are just some of the few things that Bora Bora has to offer.

However it wasn’t just the activities that made this trip amazing for my family. The locals on the island were so welcoming and helpful to all of us which made it that more enjoyable.

Bora Bora is a dream location that has so many things to offer while there. So before planning your next vacation, consider Bora Bora. You will not regret it!!

For more information about The Four Seasons hotel and other options visit: http://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Black River Caviar was invited to partake in Ceelo Green’s 30th Birthday Bash in Atlanta, and I was lucky enough to be part of the festivities as Brand Ambassador. Needless to say the Russian oscietra was a big hit at the star-studded event! Renowned Chef Jaime Doliveira used one of his signature recipes for the presentation—purple roasted potatoes, a dollop of vodka infused creme fraiche, a generous serving of Russian Oscietra, topped with a garnish of chopped chives.

Attending The Masterpiece Fair once was enough for me to make sure it’s on my calendar every year. There is nothing else like it!! Seeing my favorite Worth Avenue gallery, The Silver Fund, with their special pieces of silver and 20th century furniture in a knock-out stand, shine amongst the 150 galleries from across the globe made it ultra special.

The museum-quality works with superb provenance and London’s finest restaurants within the luxurious marquis, including Le Caprice, Scott’s, and The Ivy are enough reasons for true ‘connoisseurs’ to schedule a visit to what many refer to as ‘the most civilized art fair in arguably the most civilized city in the world.’ For those who prefer ‘people watching’, Masterpiece won’t let you down! We ran into part-time residents Rod and Penny Stewart as well as fashion designer Tom Ford on our first day!

For those of you who are en route to the UK to attend Ascot, Wimbledon or popping in to London on your way to the South of France, complimentary passes await you courtesy of The Silver Fund!

“Alumbrando el Barrio” or “Lighting up the Neighborhood” will permanently illuminate ten theater signs in Havana. Unveiling will take place during the 12th Bienal de La Habana from May 21st to June 20th, 2015.

Cuban painter and sculptor, Kadir Lopez Nieves, born in 1973 in rural Las Tunas, parlayed his artistic vision to transform historical icons into works of art. This year, during the 12th Bienal de La Habana, Kadir will unveil his in situ restoration project of ten of Havana’s neon and incandescent signs on the very theaters where for decades that have sat, rusting metal hulks, still attached to the buildings.

Havana, once graced by thousands of electric signs on theatres, stores, hotels and nightclubs, was a city of lights that rivaled even Paris in the 1950s. Thousands of neon and incandescent signs heralded the urban chic of Havana before the practice fell in to disfavor in the early 1960s and they slowly evaporated from the city’s skyline. The politically incorrect implications of the fabulous signage, as well as the maintenance required in the harsh, tropical climate propelled the signs into decay.

“…we all know about Cuba’s fleet of American cars. …I wonder what remains of Havana’s old neon signs. A little bit of Paris, a little bit of Vegas and a lot of South Beach, Havana was a city that positively glittered…” T. Rinaldi, NY Neon Blogspot

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During the last the last ten years, Kadir Lopez has focused on reclaiming many of the city’s old inventory of unused commercial baked enamel signage and has created extensive works of art, exhibiting in Cuba, Europe, Latin America, the US and Canada in both collective and one man shows. His work is exhibited in galleries, museums and private collections.

Increasingly unsatisfied with dichotomy of working in the studio and confining the work to the interiors of exhibition spaces, Mr. Lopez decided to move his works to the streets of Havana, thereby creating a new social practice he defines as En Poder Practica Social.

“…I was feeling confined in the studio and longed to share the beauty I find in the antique signs with my neighbors and other Habaneros. En Poder, or In-Power, if you will, stands for the empowerment of the people of the city through my work, playing with the concept of electricity and illumination. Our motto is “Relighting the Neighborhood, and that is exactly what we intend to do.” Kadir Lopez Nieves

Today, Havana is a city with a new vigor and energy that is quickly reclaiming old traditions and creating new ones. With a keen consciousness of this throughout his body of work, Kadir Lopez Nieves will move out of his studio and into the streets of Havana in force during the upcoming Bienal de La Habana, breathing new life into the electric signs that are the equivalent of the rolling stock of antique American cars that grace the city’s streets. He will also participate in three important exhibitions with related works and deeper insights into his En Poder Practica Social project.

“I look forward to doing my part in relighting the neighborhoods of my beloved Havana. I am committed to work on preserving and relighting every single sign that still stands in the city….for as long as it takes.” Kadir Lopez Nieves
Theatre Locations of Signs to be illuminated during “Alumbrando El Barrio”: